Joseph Kell is a writer-director to be reckoned with. His vision and talent were already apparent in his wonderful short, "Cassie Hill" and his talents as a first rate storyteller come to full fruition in "Summer Eleven". A deceptively simple screenplay with first rate performances, mostly by children, this film hits on so many real subjects that most of us try to avoid, as seen through the eyes (and lives) of innocents kids. And yet, there is an overall sweetness and tenderness in the midst of pain, heartache and anguish that is all too real. One of the most human movies I've seen in a long time, with traces of Rob Reiner's "Stand By Me" This film is a complicated puzzle put together so masterfully, it hits you like a light poem that washes over you, yet changes you in some profound way. Who says film can't be art? SPOILER: Northern Exposure fans will relish the on screen reunion of genius actors Adam Arkin and Valerie Mahaffey. I did.
Review of Summer Eleven
